MOSCOW -- A Russian air force official said the country plans to test its new S-400 Triumf air defense complex before its planned use at strategic areas near Moscow.

"The first serial (S-400) complex will be tested next week," air force Lt Gen. Alexander Gorkov told Novosti. "It has been transported to a testing ground together with crews."

The S-400, known by NATO as the SA-21 Growler, was designed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau to be an upgraded version of the S-300 family of air defense missile systems, Novosti reported Thursday.

The new system is designed to intercept airborne targets up to 250 miles away. The distance is double the capability of the U.S. MIM-104 Patriot.

"The first S-400 system, which will be put on combat duty near Moscow shortly after the test, will feature missiles with enhanced technical characteristics to sharply increase the combat capabilities of air defense around the Russian capital," Gorkov said.